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Standardized tests hurt students

Posted:
01/18/2014 07:55:54 AM MST

Test Mania (4 of 7)

Opt Out Of Standardized Tests

When schools and/or districts fall below a certain level on High Value Standardized Tests the state labels them "low performing." They must endeavor to increase the scores to protect federal funding. So, they analyze the test results and determine in what educational areas students scored low. The schools and/or districts usually regain their standings in a year or two by concentrating on these low areas. Remember, the test items are only a sample of the complete curriculum. They are now teaching to the test and narrowing the curriculum to the sample areas tested. They are making better test takers, instead of enriching and expanding their instruction. Test scores improve, but not necessarily cognitive abilities. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 12/11/2013)

There is another detrimental aspect to this "test mania." When a classroom, school building, or district is underperforming they concentrate their efforts on the lower performing students since this will have the most impact on overall test scores. This tends to lower the high end student instruction while concentrating on the lower end of the class. We are dumbing down our best students while trying to increase test scores of the lower end. We are now forcing our children into a common mold and weakening our whole educational system!

The New York City Council (12/9/2013) proposed a resolution to end standardized tests because: "The tests cause unnecessary stress, cost too much money, stifles classroom creativity and encourages schools to narrow curriculum to focus on test preparation." West Virginia, Iowa, Delaware, and Texas are refusing or questioning Common Core and excessive testing.

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Would you rather have your child receive more academic instruction or spend three to six weeks each year taking questionable high value standardized tests? You have an alternative. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OPT OF STANDARDIZED TESTS. This is happening all over the United States, and spreading rapidly. (For more information Google: "Opt out of Standardized testing")

Just write a letter to your principal and superintendent. "My child _____________ shall be excused from all standardized tests, and standardized test preparation, unless you have a personally signed permission form from me. Please provide academic enrichment instruction for my child during the administration and preparation for any/all standardized tests."

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